THE TEXAS SILVER-HAIRED LEGISLATURE
and the
TEXAS SILVER-HAIRED LEGISLATURE
FOUNDATION
STRATEGIC PLAN
2002 - 2006
Adopted April 28, 2003
INDEX
Statement of Beliefs------3
Mission Statement------3
Vision Statement------3
Who We are and What We Do------4
History of The Silver-Haired Legislature------5
Goals------6
Administrative Goals------6
Goal A------7
Goal B------7
Goal C------8
Goal D------9
Goal E------9
Goal F------10
Activities:
Goal A------11
Goal B------11
Goal C------12
Goal D------13
Goal E------14
Goal F------14
Summary of Responsibilities:
Central Office Committee------16
Communications Committee------16
Directory Committee------16
Elections and Credentials------16
Endowment Committee------16
Finance Committee------16
General Committee------16
Legislative Action Committee------16
Operations Committee------16
Speaker------16
Technology Committee------16
Training Committee------16
Sample Expense Budget------17
Sample Office Expense Budget------18
Legislative Authorization------19
Key Words in Authorization------20
Pictorial View of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature------21
THE TEXAS SILVER-HAIRED LEGISLATURE
Statement of Beliefs
All Senior Citizens should have the opportunity to achieve dignity and independence.
Senior Citizens experience unique problems. They have special abilities and talents which result from years of experience.
Good government is the result of the active participation of informed citizens.
Being an informed and active voter is the highest responsibility of citizenship.
Effective and lasting solutions to problems result from involvement of those most closely related to the problems.
Volunteer representatives elected by their peers, having close contact with their constituents, are qualified to discuss issues on aging and recommend solutions to problems of older Texans.
Mission Statement
Older Texans are the fastest growing segment of the population. The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, which was established by Concurrent Resolution of the Texas Senate in April, 1985 (Senate Resolution 37 of the 69th Texas Legislature), provides the opportunity for older Texans to solve problems unique to aging. In addition, the Silver-Haired Legislature can make Texas an even better place for all citizens through programs of education, discussion, and encouraging the involvement of older Texans in legislative and governmental affairs.
Vision Statement
The vision of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature is that the applied wisdom, energy, and experience of aging will improve the lives of all Texans through education, knowledge, and involvement in legislation and governmental affairs.
THE TEXAS SILVER-HAIRED LEGISLATURE
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
We are the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature. We are volunteers over the age of 60 who have been elected by our peers from 28 regions to serve two-year terms. The Texas Legislature established this senior policy development program in 1985. No State funds have been appropriated for the operation of the Silver-Haired Legislature. We meet in the House of Representatives Chambers of the Texas Capitol and conduct a non-partisan legislative session in even-numbered years.
During our unicameral legislative session, we represent our constituents by considering issues and passing resolutions addressing the needs of all older Texans. We then provide this information to the Governor and to the members of the Texas Legislature.
During both odd- and even-numbered years, we represent the older citizens of Texas, provide non-partisan education on issues, and motivate citizens to participate in governmental affairs. Finally, the Silver-Haired Legislature provides a forum for persons over the age of 60 to discuss, study, and debate issues concerning not only their own welfare but that of others.
HISTORY OF THE SILVER-HAIRED LEGISLATURE
The first Silver-Haired Legislature was organized by the State of Missouri in 1973. The concept has now been adopted in 26 states. The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL) was introduced to the Board of Directors and the Advisory Council of the Texas Department on Aging in 1983 where it was listed as a “legislative priority”. A resolution to establish the TSHL was passed by the Board in 1984. The following year Senate Concurrent Resolution #37 was adopted by the 69th Texas Legislature.
In 1986, planning and implementation was completed by a statewide steering committee together with the Texas Department on Aging Staff, members of the Area Agencies on Aging, and various volunteers. The elected members of the first TSHL met for a five-day training and orientation session in July of 1986. The first TSHL members were sworn in by the Secretary of State on September 29 of that year.
The work of this non-partisan, volunteer organization was started immediately and this body of 116 representatives has each year continued to increase its accomplishments.
Since no State funds are provided for the operation of the TSHL, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Foundation was established as a non-profit corporation (Charter No. 770092-1) under the guidelines of Section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code (ID # 74-2419398). Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible to the donor. The Foundation obtainsfunds from donations, grants, endowments, and fundraising projects. These funds generate revenue that is used to finance some of the basic operational expenses of the TSHL. The members of the TSHL are volunteers who receive no monetary compensation.
GOALS
- To motivate older citizens to realize that legislative involvement is a primary responsibility of effective citizenship.
- To help Texans know that citizenship is dependent upon information and knowledge about issues facing the community, state, and nation.
- To develop an organizational structure this will provide for an effective non-partisan forum of persons over the age of 60 who are elected by and representative of their peers. This body will research, discuss, and debate issues concerning not only their own welfare but that of others.
- To provide leadership and education for the members of the Silver-Haired Legislature in order that the members and the organization will serve as a resource to the Texas Legislature, the public and private sectors, boards and commissions, and provide services that will complement other senior groups and organizations.
- To provide for a legislative body that will enable the Silver-Haired Legislature to introduce, study, discuss, pass, and prioritize resolutions dealing with major concerns of our State.
- To provide educational support for the resolutions that have been accepted by the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature.
ADMINISTRATIVE GOALS
1.The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature and the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Foundation will obtain adequate funds to carry out the goals of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature. Generally accepted financial records, audits, and IRS compliance will be maintained.
- Exemplary administrative and organizational structures will be maintained in order for the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature to reach its goals.
- The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature will maintain amicable and consistent relationships and communications with the Texas Legislature, other State agencies, other organizations for older persons, with the media, and among its membership.
- High-quality elected membership in the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature will be maintained through the democratic election process, education, communication, and orientation.
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE Texas Silver-Haired Legislature
Goal A – To motivate older citizens to realize that legislative involvement is a primary responsibility of effective citizenship.
A.1 (objective): Members of the TSHL will cooperate with at least three other organizations in promoting the idea that each individual must be involved in legislative and governmental affairs in order to be a good citizen.
A.1 (strategies): TSHL members will offer expertise and support to organizations who have legislative involvement objectives and related publications. League of Women Voters, AARP, and Retired Teachers are examples.
A.2 (objective): The TSHL will develop and distribute publications and provide data to the media concerning the importance of individual participation in legislative and governmental affairs.
A.2 (strategies): The TSHL will develop publications, state-wide news releases, and distribute appropriate information through its newsletter, website, establishment of a speaker’s bureau, and through participation of TSHL members in the activities of local organizations.
Responsible: Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Executive Director, office staff, and appropriate committees as designated by bylaws and Speaker.
(See Activity A-21 through A-24 and budget, Goal A)
Goal B – To help Texans know that citizenship is dependent upon information and knowledge about issues facing the community, state, and nation.
B.1 (objective): Members of the TSHL will cooperate with at least three other organizations in providing their constituents with non-partisan information and education about legislative activities and governmental issues and processes.
B.1 (strategies): TSHL members will offer expertise and support to local and state organizations that provide non-partisan information and education about issues and governmental operations.
B.2 (objective): Each TSHL District will annually sponsor one or more forums to provide information to constituents about legislation and governmental procedures.
B.2 (strategies): The TSHL will help district members with the forums by providing grant money for promotion, speakers, and materials. Members will learn about procedures for organizing, promoting, and administrating forums at the orientation sessions. “How to” manuals and models will be developed and distributed to the members.
B.3 (objective): TSHL members will be available and/or provide for speakers who will provide information and knowledge to local groups and organizations.
B.3 (strategies): The TSHL will develop a state-wide speakers bureau and provide suggested outlines for presentations. Suggestions for effective speaking procedures will be provided to members at the orientation sessions.
B.4 (objective): The TSHL will develop and distribute “media alert” information on critical issues.
B.4 (strategies): “Media alert” materials will be distributed to all media, made available through the TSHL website, distributed to all members, and other appropriate addresses.
Responsible: Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Executive Director, office staff, and appropriate committees as designated by the bylaws and Speaker.
(See Activity B-11 through B-41 and budget, Goal B)
Goal C -To develop an organizational structure which will provide for an effective non-partisan forum of persons over the age of 60 who are elected by and representative of their peers. This body will research, discuss, and debate issues concerning not only their own welfare but that of others.
C.1 (objective): The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature will be made up of individuals who are over the age of 60 and elected by their peers according to service areas established for the Area Agencies on Aging.
C.1 (strategies): Democratic election and qualification procedures will be developed by the TSHL Elections and Credentials Committeewith participation by the Area Agency on Aging and state and local Election Commissions which will allow for maximum participation by registered voters over the age of 60.
C.2 (objective): Provide an adequate source of funding that will allow the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature to carry out its goals.
C.2 (strategies): Although it was established by the Texas Legislature, there are no public funds appropriated to support the activities of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature. Since the members are volunteers, the burden of expenses reduces the efficiency of the members and places limits on those who would like to participate. An endowment will be established under the direction of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Foundation that will provide a corpus that will be adequate to sustain the basic functions of the organization. Operations are sustained through grants, various fund-raising activities, foundation investments, and personal funds from the members.
C.3 (objective): Establishment of a central office and staff which will serve the membership through communications, coordination, publications, information resources, mediarelations, organizational identity and visibility, public relations, research, record-keeping, and general management services.
C.3 (strategies): The central office will be established, appropriately staffed and furnished. Sustained financial support will come from the proceeds of investment and interest from money in the corpus.
Responsible: Committees designated by the bylaws and special committees appointed by the Speaker and Executive Committee. (See Activity C-11 through C-31 and budget, Goal C)
Goal D - To provide leadership and education for the members of the Silver-Haired Legislature in order that the members and the organization will serve as a resource to the Texas Legislature, the public and private sectors, boards and commissions, and provide services that will complement other senior groups and organizations.
D.1 (objective): TSHL Legislators will be able to participate in the TexasSilver-Haired Legislative process and activities in order that they will be able to serve as a liaison between their constituents, local and district organizations, governmental agencies and the State Legislature.
D.1 (strategies): The TSHL will provide education opportunities, consulting services and continuing information for members by holding its annual orientation and general sessions.
D.1.1 District and local orientation sessions will be held for prospective TSHL Legislators and candidates in order that they will be able to make judgments about candidacy and about campaign strategies. Prospective candidates will be given complete information about roles and responsibilities of membership in the TSHL.
D.2 (objective): TSHL members will access the needs of their constituents and organizations in order to identify issues and construct resolutions.
D.2 (strategies): The TSHL will provide educational activities at its orientation and general sessions, consulting services, mentoring for new legislators, and required materials to help members identify issues and construct resolutions. Specialists from universities and other agencies will assist with research, data collection, and educational activities. The TSHL office and staff will assist with research, data collection, materials distribution, and record keeping.
Responsible: District senior legislators, Operations Committee, Elections and Credentials Committee, Training Committee,Speaker, TSHL Executive Director and office staff. (See Activities D-11 through D-21 and budget, Goal D)
Goal E - To provide for a legislative body that will enable the Silver-Haired Legislature to introduce, study, discuss, pass, and prioritize resolutions dealing with major concerns of our State.
E.1 (objective): The TSHL shall hold a legislative session in even-numbered years in order to consider resolutions for proposed legislation and determination of priorities.
E.1 (strategies): The TSHL will hold its legislative session in the House of Representatives and in various meeting rooms in the Texas State Capitol in the month of September of even-numbered years.
TSHLLegislators prepare and present resolutions based upon the needs and expressed interests of their constituents. Resolutions are referred to committees which establish a calendar for hearings. After presentation of the resolution by the author/authors, public hearings are conducted. The committee then combines and refines resolutions that are then presented to the full body of the TSHL in legislative session.
Resolutions may be amended and, if accepted by the general assembly, they are presented to the Governor and to the Texas Legislature where sponsors are obtained and relevant information is provided.
Finally, since the TSHL serves as a “resource” to other elected bodies and various organizations, the resolutions and rationale supporting them are printed, distributed and presented through personal contact, distribution channels and legislative hearings.
Responsible: Various Silver-Haired Legislature Committees according to the bylaws including the Legislative Action Committee, Operations Committee, Speaker, Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Executive Director and office staff. (See Activity E-11 and budget, Goal E)
Goal F – To provide educational support for the resolutions that have been accepted by the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature.
F.1 (objective): Ninety percent of the prioritized resolutions of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature will be sponsored by Texas Legislators in the next regular session.
F.1 (strategies): The TSHL will establish an action committee to monitor legislation, provide information and support to resolution sponsors and legislative committees, provide information to other organizations having similar legislative objectives, and keep members informed.
F.2 (objective): The TSHL will provide public information about the adopted resolutions and allow for visibility for the associationand its activities.
F.2 (strategies): Printed materials will be developed and distributed specifically outlining the accepted resolutions and supporting rationale.
The TEXAS SILVER DIRECTORY will stress approved resolutions and associated rationale. In addition, it will provide additional helpful information about the legislative process and issues related to aging.
The TSHL NEWSLETTER will provide pertinent information about the resolutions and associationactivities.
Lastly, the TSHL website will carry important information about aging issues and actions.
News releases, periodic “Legislative Updates” and speaking engagements by TSHL members and Speaker’s Bureau participants will provide public information about the adopted resolutions.
Responsible: Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Executive Director and staff, Speaker and appropriate committees (see Activity F-11 through F-41 and budget, Goal F)
STRATEGIC PLAN ACTIVITIES
Goal A – To motivate older citizens to realize that legislative involvement is a primary responsibility of effective citizenship.
STRATEGIES AND OBJECTIVES:
(1) TSHL will cooperate with and support other organizations with similar objectives.
(2) TSHL will develop and distribute publications and provide data to media regarding Goal A. Establishment of a speaker’s bureau, the TSHL Newsletter and website will also be used for this goal.
Activity A-21 – Members will be surveyed for participation in other groups.
Responsible: Executive Committee. Budget requested - $500.00
Activity A-22 – TSHL will develop publications and provide media releases related to Goal A.